The People in the Books: Hebraica and Judaica Manuscripts from Columbia University Libraries

Doctors > Medicine in Ladino

Materia medica: Ladino. 84v-85r

 

Materia medica: 84v-85r

 

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Materia medica.
Manuscript in Ladino on paper.
Ca. 15th century.
MS X893 R62
Rare Book and Manuscript Library

This is a doctor's reference guide listing medical conditions and cures, arranged according to the Hebrew alphabet.  This manuscript is particularly interesting, as it is from pre-expulsion Spain.  The work is written in Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish vernacular spoken by the Jews of Spain and their descendants.  The fact that it was written in Ladino indicates that it was clearly a well-used work, as the doctor who owned it chose to write in the vernacular rather than in the more formal Hebrew or Spanish, for ease of use.

Gift of Alexander Cotheal.

 

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